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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Columbus Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 11,077 students in Columbus, IN (there are 11 private schools, serving 1,860 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in Columbus, IN are educated in public schools (compared to the IN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Columbus, IN are Csa Lincoln Campus, Southside Elementary School and Rockcreek Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus, IN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Indiana public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Columbus have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Indiana public schools.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Indiana public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Best Public Schools in Columbus, IN (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Csa Lincoln Campus
(Math: 80% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
750 5th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4447
Gr: K-6 | 357 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #22.
Southside Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
1320 W 200 S
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4423
Gr: PK-6 | 891 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #33.
Rockcreek Elementary School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
13000 E 200 S
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 579-5221
Gr: PK-6 | 351 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
Columbus North High School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1400 25th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4432
Gr: 9-12 | 2,360 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #55.
Parkside Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1400 Parkside Dr
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4314
Gr: PK-6 | 733 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #66.
W D Richards Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
3311 Fairlawn Dr
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4311
Gr: PK-6 | 610 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #77.
Columbus East High School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
230 S Marr Rd
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4369
Gr: 9-12 | 1,452 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #88.
Northside Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1400 27th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4405
Gr: 7-8 | 908 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #99.
Central Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
725 7th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4287
Gr: 7-8 | 790 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #1010.
L F Smith Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
4505 Waycross Dr
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 376-4317
Gr: PK-6 | 420 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #1111.
Lillian Schmitt Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2675 California
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4307
Gr: PK-6 | 704 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #1212.
Csa Fodrea Campus
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2775 Illinois St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4321
Gr: PK-6 | 351 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #1313.
Clifty Creek Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4625 E 50 N
Columbus, IN 47203
(812) 376-4342
Gr: PK-6 | 705 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #1414.
Mount Healthy Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
12150 S Sr 58
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 342-2463
Gr: PK-6 | 365 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: n/an/a
Columbus Area Career Connection
Vocational School
1400 25th St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4240
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
Richard L Johnson Early Educ Center
1209 S Sycamore St
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-4569
Gr: PK | 80 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 33%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Columbus, IN?
The top-ranked public schools in Columbus, IN include Csa Lincoln Campus, Southside Elementary School and Rockcreek Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Columbus?
16 public schools are located in Columbus.
What percentage of students in Columbus go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in Columbus are educated in public schools (compared to the IN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus?
Columbus public schools minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Indiana public schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public schools in Columbus are often viewed compared to one another?

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